Would I Make a Good Pet Trainer?
So you love dogs and cats and are wondering how to become a pet trainer? There are a few things to consider. First, accept that you will be working with pets and their owners, so good people skills are a must. In a sense, you are training the owner as well as the animal in order to help them build a great relationship as a team.
A few of the many qualities that help make a successful pet trainer include:
- Patience
- Creativity
- Strong problem solving skills
- Good observation skills
- Resilience
- Ability to explain the training process clearly so owners can follow you
- Flexibility
- Diplomacy
If you become easily frustrated, lack self confidence, have trouble issuing clear instructions, or find it difficult to laugh at yourself, this might not be the career for you!
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
Is It Hard to Become a Pet Trainer?
As with any career choice, you must commit yourself to it, set a course of action, and follow through. Pet training involves a fairly broad base of knowledge, both scientific and theoretical. Of course, book knowledge can only get you so far; you will need to gain actual experience working with animals.
There are a couple of avenues to earning certification. Some pet societies and organizations offer certification with varying standards. For example, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers requires you to get a minimum of 300 hours of dog training experience over the past three years plus pass a 180-question multiple-choice exam.
A faster option that gives you a more solid educational base is to enroll in a pet training program. ABC offers both online cat training and dog training certification with externships in your area, so you get actual training experience as part of the program. The dog training program takes approximately 12 months; the cat training course takes around 8 months.
Dog Trainer Career Earning Potential in California
Dog Trainer Career Earning Potential
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Academy of Pet Careers, Indeed.com and Talent.com 2024. Hourly rates may vary in your area.
Dog Trainer Career Earning Potential in Texas
Dog Trainer Career Earning Potential in Virginia
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Academy of Pet Careers, Indeed.com and Talent.com 2024. Own Your Own Business earnings statistics reference the prices charged in 2025 for private in-person dog training lessons, based on what multiple companies charge across various cities in the specified state. Hourly rates may vary in your area.
What Do I Need to Learn?
Both ABC’s cat trainer and dog trainer programs include 11 stages. You will learn an overview of the animals, study training theories and fundamentals, identify health issues that might impact behavior, obedience and preventative strategies, as well as pet CPR and First Aid.
Finally, there is a business component that helps improve your chance of being hired once you complete your certification. Part of this stage includes business building skills such as marketing and social media management in case you would like to work independently. ABC also offers alumni benefits designed to help graduates, including access to their private job posting site and a listing on the school’s directory of certified trainers.
Are Pet Trainers in Demand?
Absolutely, and the need for qualified trainers grows yearly. The number of households that include pets is expected to continue growing as is the amount of money pet owners spend for their care. As part of this growth, more and more people are turning to pet trainers to help increase harmony in their homes. If helping animals is your life’s goal, pet training can be the perfect career choice. A well-trained, well-mannered animal is far more likely to be a happy animal than one which is not.
To get started on a great career, contact us today. Call us at 800-795-3294 and set up an interview with an admissions counselor!
